easily set up assessment tools that track, grade, and communicate student outcomes

Why Canvas?

Although Stanford had used CourseWork (Sakai) LMS since 2005, over the last ten years there have been many changes in LMS technology. Modern learning management systems offer exciting features and functionalities to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. After conducting a review of the current learning management system landscape, an analysis of Stanford’s needs as well as input and feedback from the 2014-2015 Canvas pilot, Canvas was selected as our new learning management system.

When did we move to Canvas?

The transition to Canvas is now complete. In September 2015, Stanford began transitioning to Canvas as our primary LMS. As a part of this phased implementation, we supported courses in both CourseWork and Canvas. CourseWork was retired on December 21, 2016. See our Transition Timeline for more detailed information.

CourseWork was phased out at the end of Fall Quarter 2016. Beginning Winter quarter (January 2017) all courses will be created in Canvas.

The VPTL Canvas team migrated all CourseWork courses from Fall 2014 through Fall 2016 to Canvas. Some earlier courses were also migrated by request.

Project Team

Pilot

How was Canvas evaluated?

After a review of the current learning management system landscape, an analysis of Stanford’s needs as well as input and feedback from the 2014-2015 Canvas pilot, Canvas was selected as our new learning management system.

During the 2014-2015 academic year, the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning (VPTL) hosted an open pilot of Canvas, a new cloud-based learning management system by Instructure. Canvas proved to offer functionality and workflows that faculty, students and instructional support staff have long wanted in CourseWork. After a successful pilot, Canvas has been adopted as Stanford’s primary LMS as a replacement for CourseWork.

Who is using Canvas at Stanford?

As of Winter 2018 Canvas is being used in 1780 courses.

How can I learn more about Canvas?

Check out our resources for links to helpful tutorials, easy-to-use documentation, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and other materials designed to make it easy to get started with Canvas. Or contact us to arrange an appointment to discuss your course and get one-on-one help.